Complex Subordinating Conjunctions (B1)

Complex Subordinating Conjunctions (B1)

Beyond the basic conjunctions learned in A1/A2 (like dat, omdat, als, terwijl, wanneer), B1 introduces more complex subordinating conjunctions that express nuanced relationships between clauses, such as concession, condition, and time sequence.

Remember: Subordinating conjunctions introduce a subordinate clause (bijzin), which typically has the conjugated verb(s) at the end.

Key B1 Conjunctions:

hoewel (although, even though): Introduces a concessive clause, indicating a contrast or something unexpected based on the main clause.

Structure: Main Clause + , + hoewel + Subject + ... + Verb(s).
Example: Ik ga naar buiten, hoewel het regent. (I am going outside, although it is raining.)
Structure (Inversion): Hoewel + Subject + ... + Verb(s) + , + Verb (main) + Subject + ... .
Example: Hoewel het regent, ga ik naar buiten. (Although it is raining, I am going outside.)

tenzij (unless): Introduces a negative condition. The action in the main clause will happen unless the condition in the tenzij clause occurs.

Structure: Main Clause + , + tenzij + Subject + ... + Verb(s).
Example: We gaan picknicken, tenzij het regent. (We are going for a picnic, unless it rains.)
Structure (Inversion): Tenzij + Subject + ... + Verb(s) + , + Verb (main) + Subject + ... .
Example: Tenzij het regent, gaan we picknicken. (Unless it rains, we are going for a picnic.)

mits (provided that, on the condition that): Introduces a positive condition. The action in the main clause will happen only if the condition in the mits clause is met. (Often considered slightly more formal than als for conditions).

Structure: Main Clause + , + mits + Subject + ... + Verb(s).
Example: Je mag mee, mits je je huiswerk af hebt. (You may come along, provided that you have finished your homework.)
Structure (Inversion): Mits + Subject + ... + Verb(s) + , + Verb (main) + Subject + ... .
Example: Mits je je huiswerk af hebt, mag je mee. (Provided that you have finished your homework, you may come along.)

nadat (after): Introduces a temporal clause indicating that the action in the subordinate clause happened before the action in the main clause. Often requires careful tense coordination (e.g., Past Perfect in the nadat clause if the main clause is Past).

Structure: Main Clause + , + nadat + Subject + ... + Verb(s).
Example: Ik ging slapen, nadat ik het boek had uitgelezen. (I went to sleep after I had finished the book.)
Structure (Inversion): Nadat + Subject + ... + Verb(s) + , + Verb (main) + Subject + ... .
Example: Nadat ik het boek had uitgelezen, ging ik slapen. (After I had finished the book, I went to sleep.)

voordat (before): Introduces a temporal clause indicating that the action in the subordinate clause happened after the action in the main clause (or the main action happens before the subordinate action).

Structure: Main Clause + , + voordat + Subject + ... + Verb(s).
Example: Poets je tanden, voordat je naar bed gaat. (Brush your teeth before you go to bed.)
Structure (Inversion): Voordat + Subject + ... + Verb(s) + , + Verb (main) + Subject + ... .
Example: Voordat je naar bed gaat, moet je je tanden poetsen. (Before you go to bed, you must brush your teeth.)

Importance (B1):

These conjunctions allow for more precise and sophisticated expression of logical and temporal relationships between ideas, moving beyond simple sentence structures. They are essential for constructing complex sentences and understanding nuanced texts.